I write, so why no invite?

I write, so why no invite?

I was extremely shocked to see a tweet (see below) from the talented Anthony Drewe. Drewe makes up one part of the ‘Stiles and Drewe’ pair. Alongside George Stiles, his work includes Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence, Mary Poppins, Honk and several other profound musicals.

I contemplated the idea that the pair may have been forgotten accidentally and was shocked to learn the truth. Confirmed by other writers messaging MTAS in confidence, it is in fact quite common for a writer to not be invited to an award ceremony; even if their show is up for nomination! Apparently writing the musical doesn’t qualify as being important enough. Without the writers who dream, sleep and breathe their visions into reality our whole industry would not exist. With venues as glamorous and well seated as the Albert Hall, are we not to believe there was no space for the creators who helped make the shows possible?

This may be common knowledge among most award ceremonies but it is still quite disappointing. Labelling it as ‘show business’ and casually shrugging this off just doesn’t feel right. Writers should have a seat and not have to pay. As far as I’m concerned they paid in beautiful, metaphorical linguistic dialogue that should not be forgotten.